How to Use the Cooling Capacity Converter
Air conditioner and refrigeration cooling capacity is labeled in different units depending on the product or region — BTU/h, kW, or tons of refrigeration (RT). Residential air conditioners commonly list BTU/h, while commercial and industrial refrigeration equipment is often rated in tons, so comparing specs across sources requires converting between units.
Enter a value and select its unit to instantly see the equivalent in BTU/h, kW, and RT at the same time. Use it to compare an imported air conditioner's BTU/h rating against a kW spec, or to convert a commercial refrigeration unit's RT capacity into kW to estimate power requirements.
A ton of refrigeration (RT) originated from the cooling power needed to melt 1 ton (about 907kg / 2,000lb) of ice in a day. 1 RT equals 12,000 BTU/h (about 3.517 kW). Actual cooling needs depend on room size, insulation, and sun exposure, so consult a professional for precise capacity sizing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 ton of refrigeration (RT) equals 12,000 BTU/h, or about 3.517 kW.
9,000 BTU/h equals about 2.64 kW.
A ton of refrigeration originated from the cooling power needed to melt 1 ton of ice in a day, and it's still widely used to rate commercial and industrial refrigeration and cooling equipment.